Energy Storage

This workshop addresses the pressing challenges of NDAA Section 842 battery compliance and supply chain security. We’ll explore the regulation’s requirements and timelines, then dive into the real-world implications: qualifying domestic materials, proving compliance while protecting proprietary information, and developing transition strategies for programs facing 2028-2031 deadlines. Drawing on perspectives from across government, industry, and research communities, we’ll identify practical solutions, examine whether battery standardization can help secure supply chains, and surface the critical gaps that still need addressing.

Energy Generation

Methodologies for Predicting Solar Cell Radiation Degradation: Technical Walkthrough Using SPENVIS

This workshop provides a detailed walkthrough of the methodology for modeling and predicting solar cell performance degradation due to the space radiation environment, using SPENVIS as a reference platform. Participants will step through the critical phases of the analysis process—including orbit ephemeris generation, selection and configuration of radiation environment models (e.g., IRENE/Ae9Ap9, ESP/PSYCHIC), and translation of flux data into equivalent fluence and displacement damage dose (DDD) for solar cells. Emphasis will be placed on the technical rationale behind each step, practical limitations of common tools, and decision points that impact model fidelity and result interpretation. The session will highlight known limitations of SPENVIS and comparable tools, discuss why more specialized or custom approaches are often required for mission-critical assessments, and identify key “gotchas” and best practices in photovoltaic radiation analysis. The goal is to establish a robust framework that can be applied with any suitable toolset—not just SPENVIS—ensuring rigorous and consistent evaluation of space solar cell degradation.

Power Management and Distribution (PMAD)

Power Generation, Storage, and Distribution: Energy and Data Transfer

Efforts are underway to build on-orbit servicing Missions, both for cooperative targets and for historical ones that were not built for servicing.

In addition, rendezvous Missions for on-orbit assembly as well as hand-offs need electrical interface controls that are generic and non-proprietary.

Power-Beaming and magnetic resonant tank coupling are two promising techniques for power transfer without the precision alignment and mechanical forces needed to mate circular 999 connectors. Free-Space optical comms will also be needed for prox-ops without precise alignment.

We will also summarize significant Events and Trends in the PMAD world over the past year.